Understand

Modern-day Malacca is a vibrant old city that belies its wealth of history. Visiting Malacca is a unique experience; its rich historical background earned it a World Heritage Site designation in July 2008.

History

Before the arrival of the first Sultan, Malacca was a simple fishing village inhabited by local Malays. Malacca was founded by Parameswara, also called Iskandar Shah or Sri Majara, the last Raja of Singapura (now known as Singapore) following a Majapahit attack in 1377. Parameswara found his way to Malacca in 1400 where he found a port, accessible in all seasons and on the strategically located narrowest point of the Malacca Strait. This later became Malacca

There are some interesting legends surrounding the foundation and naming of Malacca. According to the 16th century Malay Annals, the city was founded by Parameswara. Some believe it more likely that he was a Hindu prince and political fugitive from nearby Java. The legend goes that Parameswara was out on a hunt in the region and had stopped to refresh himself near what is now the Malacca River. Standing near a melaka (Indian gooseberry) tree he was surprised to witness one of his hunting dogs so startled by a mouse deer that it fell into the river. Parameswara took this as a propitious sign of the weak overcoming the powerful and decided to build the capital of his new kingdom where he stood, naming it for the tree under which he had been resting. Another account says Malacca is derived from the Arabic word Malakat, meaning market. Malacca had a navigable harbor sheltered by nearby Sumatra across the narrow straits. The location was supplied with an ample quantity of fresh water, enjoyed a prime location relative to the shifting monsoon winds, and had a central location in regional trade patterns, all of which soon made it a prosperous trading town. Its fortunes increased with its official adoption of Islam in the 14th century. The Sultans of Malacca were soon attracting Arab traders from far afield. However, Malacca continued to trade with merchants of all races and religions.

After the visit of the Chinese Muslim Admiral Cheng Ho in the mid-15th century, contact between China and Malacca intensified. In exchange for protection against Siam, Malacca became a vassal state to Ming China. To ensure Malacca's safety, a new and powerful kingdom was founded by the Sultan of Samudra-Pasai.

The power of the Malays began to rise through the 15th century. In the Malay Annals,the sultan Mansur Shah was mentioned as having 6 wives and the fifth was stated to be a daughter of the Ming Emperor. However, in the Chinese chronicles, no such event was recorded.

Things started to change with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1509. They were at first welcomed, but Indian traders soon turned the sultan against the Portuguese and they had to flee. In 1511 the Portuguese returned, and at their second attempt seized the city. This marked the start of the formation of a large Eurasian community. The Portuguese turned the city into a massive walled fortress complete with a tower bristling with cannon. It was believed that such fortifications could withstand the encroachments of other European powers eager for a slice of the Asian luxury goods trade.

An alliance between the Dutch and the Sultanate of Johor Bahru saw the loss much of Malacca's power. In 1641 the Dutch navy put a blockade on Malacca and they seized the city after six months. During the siege much of the Portuguese city was destroyed.

Only after 150 years did the Dutch lose their hold on Malacca. In 1795 The Netherlands was conquered by the French, and the British were keen to take over the Dutch holdings in Malacca. By that time, Malacca had lost most of its former importance although it remained an important part of Asian trade routes.

The A Famosa gate is all that remains of the old Portuguese and Dutch forts. As the Napoleonic Wars wound down the British knew Malacca would be returned to Dutch control. In order to make the city indefensible the city walls were blown down. A last minute intervention by a British officer, the young Sir Stamford Raffles (founder of British Singapore) saved the gate. Shortly after its return to Dutch rule, the Dutch and British governments swapped colonies - British Bencoolen in Sumatra for Dutch Malacca.

Malacca is a center of Peranakan culture. When Chinese settlers originally came to Malacca as miners, traders and coolies, they took local brides (of Javanese, Batak, Achenese, etc descent) and adopted many local customs. The result of this is an interesting fusion of local and Chinese cultures. The men are addressed as Babas and the women Nonyas by their servants meaning Master and Mistress.

A small group of Eurasians of Portuguese descent continue to speak their unique creole, known as Cristão or Kristang.

Get in

By plane

Malacca International Airport (IATA: MKZ, ICAO: WMKM) (formerly known as Batu Berendam Airport is located about 10 km from the city of Malacca.

Firefly flies domestically from KL and only limited international flights are provided to nearby Indonesian destinations.

By Bus

All long-distance and local buses now operate from the Melaka Sentral bus terminal, a good 4.5 km from the historic core of the city.

Express buses will also drop you off at Malacca Central/Melaka Sentral.

Walk to the back of Melaka Sentral bus station and you can take a local bus nr.17 all the way to the principal backpackers district. This bus goes to Chinatown and Taming Sari. The closest stop to Chinatown is Dutch Square, which you will easily identify from the brick red Christ Church and Stadthuys; note that nr. 17 is a loop line, so when you need to go back to Melaka Sentral you will take it at the same place where you got off. Note also that there are no bus stop signs in the centre of Melaka. Price is RM1/person.

From Malacca International Airport

Batang Bus (yellow, cream and red) from Melaka Sentral will go past the aiport. Buses will stop by the main road about 200 m from the airport building. Tuahbas No. 65 (blue and white) to Taman Merdeka also goes from Melaka Sentral past the airport via Bachang.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport KLIA, (IATA: KUL) is the nearest major airport and is about 1.5-2 hr away by car.Malaysia Airlines does not fly to Malacca, but it maintains an office at Lot 1&2, Block A, Ground floor, Century Mahkota Hotel, J. Merdeka, Melaka. ☎+60 6 282 9597.

From Kuala Lumpur

Southbound buses now leave from new bus terminal Bersepadu Selatan, which is located just next to LRT station and KTM Komuter station Bandar Tasik Selatan. Easiest way to get there from Chinatown is walk to Kuala Lumpur old railway station (just opposite side of canal from LRT Pasar Seni station, use overpass) and take KTM Komuter train for RM1.10 or take LRT from Masjid Jamek station. Buses are leaving every half hour, cartel price of ticket to Melaka Sentral is RM12.20 with all bus companies, ride takes 2 hours.

From Kuala Lumpur International airport

Transnasional[5] runs 4 direct buses daily at 9:15 & 11:45am, and 4:15 & 8:15pm (RM22/16 adult/child), travelling time 2 hours 30 min, but if you miss them, you'll have to detour via KL or take a taxi with travelling time about 1.5 hours (fixed "budget" fare RM159, 1 way, counter inside Domestic Arrivals, the guard will happily let you and your trolley of luggage back into this area from outside).

From Singapore

Many bus companies operate from Lavender St. bus terminal directly to Melaka Sentral. Bus schedules vary between companies but some operates have hourly buses. Best show up and buy tickets in advance if you want to travel on Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon as many Singaporean tourists have the same idea. The fares can vary starting from around S$14-S$50 one way depending on class of the bus.

Bus rides often take any time between 3.5-5 hours depending on how long it takes to cross the Singapore-Malaysia borders, which during peak periods can cause massive delay. You will have to get your passport stamped at each end of the border and you must bring all your luggage with you when you are making an entrance into each country. Generally, the bus will wait for you at the border but sometimes they will expect you to catch the next bus if you take too long going through custom. Make sure you remember what you bus looks like (the number plate is quite a handy thing to remember). The buses will also have a 20-30 min rest stop along the way where you can purchase food and use the toilet facilities (whose cleanliness can be questionable). The Singapore customs area has decent toilet facilities, if required.

Some of the companies operating to/from Malacca are:

Transnasional[6], is the largest long-distance bus operator in Malaysia. It links the state with a host of destinations in Peninsular Malaysia like Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Singapore and further afield. Transnasional buses depart from Malacca City (Melaka Sentral), Alor Gajah, A'Famosa Resort and Masjid Tanah.

Malacca-Singapore Express: Hourly buses between Malacca City and Johor Bahru and Singapore from 8AM-7PM. Tickets cost RM19.00 to/from Johor Baru, and RM22.00 to Singapore. The route from Singapore to Mallaca is SGD$20

Delima Express: Buses from Singapore to Malacca/ Malacca to Singapore. Tickets cost $20.80/ RM22. The boarding location at Singapore is City Plaza @ Payar Lebar. Online bookings are available [7].

By train

Malacca Town is not served by any railway lines. The nearest railway station is at Pulau Sebang (Tampin), ☎+60 6 341 1034, in the Alor Gajah district about 30 km (18 mi) away. The station is on the main Kuala Lumpur-Johor Bahru line and served by all trains.

Via Bus:The "Tai Lye" bus goes from the Tampin townsite to Malacca. You'll be looking for bus #26. When you get off the train, walk down the road to the right about 400m until you reach the main road. You now have two options. 1) Cross the road and wait until bus 26 comes toward you, wave madly at it, and it will stop to pick you up. 2) When you reach the main road, turn left and walk about 600m into town. You'll come to an intersection that T's the main road, with a road branching left up a hill. Walk up that road about 200m and the bus station is on your left. This is a less risk but more walk option. If you've got lots of luggage, you can also take a taxi from the train station to the bus station. If you get lost walking, just ask locals for the "bus station". Few speak english here, but they'll understand where you want to get to. The bus fare is RM4.30, and you'll need actual Ringit currency to pay it with. The trip takes about an hour and a half.

Via Taxi:There should be a taxi or two at the train station waiting for someone like you to come along. If there isn't, walk into town with the above directions. You'll see one soon enough. The cost will be somewhere around RM50, but you can try haggling a bit. Either way, get them to take you to your hotel, or if they can only take you to Malacca Sentral, get a cheaper fare (don't wait to discuss this in the taxi!). Honestly, if you have the cash, and more than just a briefcase, this is the easier option. The cars are air conditioned (another bargaining chip if they aren't), and have trunk space for your gear. Plus, you could share the cost with up to three other people. Or if you are alone, maybe there is a local who's also trying to get to Malacca and would appreciate a free ride? Remember to be safe though. Don't get into your taxi until the driver has, always pay at the destination, and watch your stuff! The trip by taxi takes about 40 minutes.

Salira (light blue and yellow) also goes from Melaka Sentral to Tampin via Ayer Keroh and Durian Tunggal. Get off bus at same spot as Tai Lye.

By car

Malacca can be accessed from the North South Expressway. When coming from the south, drive along E2 and leave the expressway at the Ayer Keroh exit. Alternatively, one can leave the highway at the Simpang Empat exit and proceed through normal road to Melaka. This route will pass through the town of Alor Gajah and now with the new highway (ring road) completed, the trip from Simpang Empat to Melaka will take approximately 20-30 min by car.

Malacca city is on the Coastal Trunk Road (Federal Route 5), and can be accessed from the Main Trunk Road (Federal Route 1) by turning off at Simpang Kendong or Tampin, Negeri Sembilan.
Malacca is 150 km (93 mi) from Kuala Lumpur, 216 km (134 mi) from Johor Bahru, and 90 km (56 mi) from Port Dickson.

Rent a car

For those who want an easy and direct way out from either Kuala Lumpur's LCCT or KLIA airport to Melaka, an easy way is to rent or hire a car or van. It will take you about 1-1.5 hr to get there. Prices range from RM150-RM400 depending upon the vehicle type and rental duration.

By taxi

There are also chartered taxi services available at end of Jalan Kee Ann. These chartered taxis travel within Melaka state and outside Melaka such as to KLIA International Airport, Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore. They carry up to 4 passengers at a time. Malacca has a really lousy public transportation system, so be ready to get your money ripped off by taxi drivers, even for a 5 minute drive, they sometimes charge you RM15. Most of the taxis in Malacca don't have a metered system, their charges are random and dependant upon the driver and passenger.

By boat

Daily ferries run to and from Bengkalis, Dumai and Pekanbaru in Sumatra, Indonesia. All ferries arrive and depart from the Harbour Master's jetty (Jeti Shahbandar) at Taman Melaka Raya near the Maritime Museum. To get to/away from Jetty: Malacca Town Bus No. 17 (Green) goes near the Harbour Master's jetty which is just down the road from the Red Square.

Laksamana Group (Malacca ticketing office stalls on Jln PM10, Plaza Mahkota Melaka Raya) has ferries from Malacca to Bengkalis in Riau Province, Sumatra, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays departing at 1100. Ferries connect to Selat Panjang where there are onward ferries to Batam and the other Riau Islands. From Bengkalis, ferries depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30AM.

Bengkalis are not listed as a visa-free or visa-on-arrival point of entry into Indonesia. However, those entitled to visa-free entry, or at least Malaysian passport holders, do not seem to face any problems.

Get around

Malacca is by no means a small city, but exploring on foot is a good idea. You could rent a bike. Be mindful not to hold up traffic while taking pictures of buildings. The locals have generally good driving sense and adhere to traffic laws.

By monorail

A 1.6-km monorail system was opened with much fanfare in October 2010, but it was plagued with problems and promptly taken out of service. As of December 2010, the monorail is not operational and its planned extension is in doubt.

By car

Streets in the older/historical part of the city are very narrow, so they quickly become clogged during peak hours. This is especially so during the weekends, when cars from other parts of Malaysia and from Singapore flood to the city. Finding a car park lot is also extremely difficult during weekends. Most of the roads are also one-way, so plan your route properly.

By taxi

Metered Taxis are just about everywhere. Chartered taxis on Jalan Kee Ann also travel within the city and should not cost more than RM15 per ride. Taxi Drivers are quite tourist friendly though not all taxi drivers will speak English. A few taxi drivers also maintain their business cards for more business from tourists.

By bus

Malacca Town Bus No 17: Melaka Sentral Terminal to the historic core, Mahkota Parade, Melaka Raya and the Portuguese Settlement. The fare from Melaka Sentral to Makhota Parade is RM1. The last bus from Melaka Sentral leaves at 8:30PM, after which you would have to take a taxi which costs 20 RM to Mahkota Parade. Bus 8 goes from Melaka Sentral to Town Square for RM1.

Malacca Town Bus No 18: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Tengkera and onwards to Pokok Mangga

Malacca Town Bus No 19: Melaka Sentral Terminal to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia). The fare from Melaka Sentral to Ayer Keroh (Melaka Zoo and Taman Asean/Malaysia) is around RM 3

Panorama Melaka (red and blue) [9]: This hop-on-hop-off bus brings tourists to the attractions in town for a flat fee of RM5/day (red bus) and RM2/day (blue bus). Among its fleet are 2 double-decker buses, one with an open top. The bus service runs at 10 min intervals from 7AM - 12.

"Panorama Melaka (red and blue) busses are apparently not running anymore as hop-on hop-off, tho we rode on two that were marked 'Panorama' on OTHER routes, and didn't find them as described above.

Generally the bus system in Malacca is worse than chaotic: there doesn't seem to be a schedule (we waited today for more than an hour for a bus on the coast just north of Malacca - quite normal according to our bed and breakfast house hostess), and information about where and what busses to catch at Sentral is non-existent (you may get lucky looking at the printed paper displays near the front of the busses).

The alternative, namely to take a taxi, is expensive, since the meters in the taxis are generally not used, and the drivers like to overcharge foreigners and apparently give kickbacks to reservation agents at hotel concierge desks.

Others

Trishaws, complete with blaring pop music and fake flowers are available as well for short trips between tourist spots or circular tours. The drivers are very cheerful and friendly. The going rate is RM 40 per hour, but settle any price in advance.

Bicycle, hire a bicycle or join a cycling tour group, see the Do section for cycling hire and groups. Some of the hostels, homestays and hotels either provide loan or rental bicycles to their guests for local sightseeing. Major local attractions have an extensive internal road or track system often have bicycles available.

The hop-on hop-off bus doesn't run anymore (May 2012). Confusingly, the river cruise boat is also called 'hop-on hop-off', but during busy times (esp. weekend evenings) don't expect to get a seat anywhere other than near the ticket office landing.

See

The Stadhuys and clock tower at the heart of the historic quarter of Malacca

Malacca River at dusk

The Baba Nyonya Museum in Malacca which is in a typical Peranakan house

The older part of the city proper has, in addition to the old palace and the large buildings left by the Europeans, many private houses and shops from nearly a century or more ago, put up by Chinese traders. Many of these have beautiful details such as moulded porcelain tiles and painted plaster reliefs on the front. Unfortunately, they tend to be not well preserved and the city government decided to paint all the buildings in the historical district a bright brick red some years ago, as the constant spitting by passers-by was proving a nuisance, which detracts from their aesthetic value.

Note that on Tuesdays, many museums, shops, restaurant are closed, especially in the Jonker Street area. If you have only one day to spend in Malacca, do not go on Tuesday!

Heritage area

Baba and Nyonya Peranakan Museum. ☎+60 6 283 1233. Opening hours: 10AM-12:30PM, 2:30PM-4:30PM. Closed on Tuesdays - Step back in time with a visit to this museum which is an actual Peranakan heritage town house and is a great example of Peranakan culture. It is on Heeren Street (now known as Tun Cheng Lock Street). The entry fee is RM10 per person and everyone has to follow a guide-led group. Photography is forbidden.

Christ Church - this church was built between 1741 and 1753. It replaced a Portuguese church, which was shattered. Bricks were shipped from Zeeland in the Netherlands. On the floor of the church you will find Dutch tombstones. It is the oldest protestant church in Malaysia. On the altar you will see sacramental silverware, still bearing the Dutch coat of arms. 8:30AM-5PM Mon-Sat, free admission; photography is forbidden.

Dutch Square - Beautiful square around Christ Church and the Stadhuys. On this square you will find the Tang Beng Swee Clock Tower, it looks Dutch, but it is not. It was built in 1886.

Jonker, Heeren and adjacent streets - This is the residential heart of Old Malacca just west of the Malacca River, with its narrow winding streets, beautifully decorated houses, tiny shops, temples and mosques. The whole area is undergoing a renaissance with new shops, restaurants and hotels catering to tourists mushrooming everywhere. However, the area still has a lot of atmosphere and is worth having a look around. One of the streets in this area is Harmony Street (officially Temple street or Jalan Tokong), so called because it contains the prayer houses of Malaysia's three main faiths - the Cheng Hoon Teng Chinese temple, the Sri Poyatha Vinayagar Moorthi Hindu Temple, and the Kampung Kling Mosque.

Malaysian Navy Museum, across the road from the Maritime Museum

Malay and Islamic World Museum, Jalan Kota (beside the Porta de Santiago) - it also currently houses a Museum of Torture (European medieval period) for a limited duration on the ground floor.

Masjid Kampung Hulu Built in 1728, it's one of the oldest functioning mosques in Melaka together with Masjid Kampung Kling and Masjid Tengkera (Tranquerah), Jln Tengkera see the mixed architecture of Chinese, Javanese and Arab on the minarets and the roofs.

Muzium Budaya/Sultanate Palace - Below the hill you will find this museum (Melaka Cultural Museum). It is a reconstruction of the istana of the sultan Mansur Shah. It was built in 1985. It is open daily from 9AM to 6PM except on Tuesdays, and on Fridays from 12:15PM-2:45PM. Entrance fee RM 2.

Porta de Santiago - You will find this remains of the old Portuguese fort A Famosa on Jalan Kota, around St Paul's Hill. What you can see nowadays is a mostly Dutch reconstruction, bearing the VOC coat of arms.

Saint Paul's Church - take a path up the hill and it will lead you to this church. It was originally built in 1521, by the Portuguese. It became a fortress in 1567, until 1596. After the Dutch siege it became St Paul's, before it was known as Nossa Senhora da Annunciada (Our Lady of Annunciation). It has been used as a burial ground for the Dutch. You can still see the tombstones, along the walls of ruins of the church.

Stadthuys - completed in 1660. It is a reproduction of the former Stadhuis (town hall) of the Frisian town of Hoorn in the Netherlands which existed from 1420 until 1796. Nowadays, it houses the Museums of History and Ethnography. This is one of the oldest Dutch buildings in the east.

Stamp Museum, Jalan Kota (sandwiched between the Muzium Rakyat and the Malay and Islamic World Museum)

UMNO Museum, Jalan Kota (between the Islamic Museum and the Muzium Rakyat) - museum about the United Malays National Organisation.

Youth Museum/Melaka Art Gallery, Jalan Laksamana, beside the Christ Church. The Youth Museum is on the ground floor, the Art Gallery on the second level. You can have a bird's eye view of Dutch Square from a window on the second level. Open Wed to Sun 9AM-5.30PM; combined admission for adults - RM2

Yeetea house - 22 Jalan Laksamana, Famous Local tea shop selling a range of tea from China and Taiwan as well as offering tea ceremony classes.

Others

Bukit China - Bukit China is the one of the largest Chinese cemetery outside of mainland China. Graves can be found here that go back to the late Ming dynasty (mid 17th century). The earliest grave found so far dates to 1622, but unfortunately many graves were exhumed during the British occupation of Malaysia. Bukit China is a famous jogging spot for the locals and jogging tracks are available all over the hill. When you climb on top of the hill, you will have a nice view of the town.

King's Well - Legends have it that Hang Liu was a Chinese princess from the Ming dynasty who was sent to Malacca to wed Sultan Mansor Shah in the 15th century when the Malacca Sultanate was at its zenith. She had 500 followers who were all settled on Bukit China, which means Chinese Hill, and this well, at the foot of the hill, was where they got their water.

Melaka River - Take a relaxing stroll down the river from Jalan Munshi Abdullah. The route takes you along a boardwalk and past a number of sheek looking houses decorated with large paintings. You also get a good view of Bukit St Paul over the town.

Malacca Straits Mosque - a newly built mosque on the man-made island Pulau Melaka located just off the cost of the city. Spectacular at evening and night.

Poh San Teng Temple - This temple is located at the foot of Bukit China and next to the King's Well, was founded in 1795 by Kapitan China Chua Su Cheong as a graveyard temple. The main deity is Fu-te Zhen Shen. the temple was built to allow the descendants of those buried on Bukit China to conduct prayers to their ancestors away from the heavy rain and strong winds.

Portuguese Settlement - Here is where the descendants of the Portuguese who conquered Malacca in 1511 live today. The settlement, located just southeast of the city centre, consists of tidy rows of mostly wooden houses leading up to the Portuguese Square (Malay Medan Portugis) and Hotel Lisboa (sorry, unlike its Macau namesake, there is no casino here) on the waterfront. The people here may look Malay but peer into their houses and you'll see the characteristic altar with status of Jesus and Mary perched high on their walls. Quite a few still speak Cristao (or Cristang), a Portuguese patois. There are also many restaurants for you to sample Portuguese fare. The most interesting times to visit is during Intrudu - usually in February - when the you'll get a Songkran-like drenching with buckets of water thrown at you; Festa San Pedro to commemorate the Feast of Saint Peter in June, where there are processions, cultural shows and general merry-making; and Christmas when the whole settlement is decked in decorative lights. Getting there/away: Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 (destination "Ujong Pasir and Bandar Hilir") from Melaka Sentral will bring you right into the Settlement.

St John's Hill and Fort. Malacca's other fortress located on top of St John's Hill in Bandar Hilir, south of the city. Pretty views of the surroundings from the top. Malacca Town Bus (green) No. 17 passes by this fort.

Outside town

Geok Hu Keng Temple - Located at the junction of Klebang and Jalan Pokok Mangga, about 3km from town centre. This temple has a history of 130 years. Managed by local communities, the temple was incorporated under the management of Cheng Hoon Teng in 2000. Major celebrations - 3rd day of Chinese New Year, Hien Tian Siong Teh's birthday on 3rd day of 3rd lunar month and the birthday of Geok Hu Tai Chong on 29th day of 6th Lunar Month. To get to the temple, you may hop in any of the Patt Hup Buses and stop slightly opposite the temple or you may take Town Bus No 18 which stop beside the temple.

Kampung Morten - a village of traditional houses, it is on the west bank of the Malacca River.

Melaka Zoo - Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town. The second biggest, one of the best, if not the best, zoo in Malaysia. Even better than the National Zoo. The zoo is in a reserved forest where the animal enclosures more resemble the animals' natural habitat. The trees within the zoo compound provide ample shades for visitors during hot and sunny days. There is a lake in the zoo. Dattime admission for adults - RM7 (9AM- 6PM), night entry - RM10 (8PM-11PM)

Padang Kemunting Sea-Turtle Sanctuary - Located in Pantai Padang Kemunting beach, about 28 km from Melaka Sentral. You can see the most beautiful sea-turtle in the world, the Hawksbill turtle. Relax to the sound of the Straits of Malacca as the are lots of kampong type of resorts (budget) for you to choose. Admission for adults is free, open daily 10AM-4PM. Close on Monday and Malaysian public holidays.

Taman Mini Malaysia and Mini ASEAN - Located in Ayer Keroh, along the main road from the Ayer Keroh toll plaza to Melaka town, about 1 km from Melaka Zoo between the Zoo and toll plaza. It has full-size reconstructions of typical houses from all 13 Malaysian states and all the members of ASEAN. There are daily cultural shows at 11AM and 2PM. Admission for adults is RM12, open daily 9AM-6PM.

Events and Festivals

January

varies, but always in January (2012 was on the 1st) - Malaka Kite Festival: International festival of kites, affiliated with the local Chinese community and run by the Melaka Kite Flyers Association (Persatuan Rakan Layang-Layang Melaka / 马六甲风筝之友 / phone 06-281 5649), who since the 1990s have also run the now well-established Kite Museum.

13th-15th - Thai Pongal: Tamil (South Indian) harvest festival celebrated by the local Chitty (Tamil/Malay) community. The festival corresponds to the winter solstice, and is traditionally dedicated to the Sun God Surya. It marks the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun from its southernmost-limit, a movement traditionally referred to as uttarayana. The festival coincides with that known as Makara Sankranthi which is celebrated throughout all of India as the winter harvest. Celebrated at the Chitty Cultural Village, and organized by the Melaka Chitty Cultural Organization. The day preceding Pongal is known as Bhogi (often celebrated on the 14th), and is marked by discarding old things (sometimes in bonfires!), focusing on new belongings, and cleaning, painting or decorating houses. It is similar to Holika in northern India.

January/February

Varies by lunar calendar - Chinese New Year: Local celebrations center on Melaka Chinatown and Jonker Street, and include a giant lion dance.

Holy Week: Christian celebrations between Good Friday and Easter/Palm Sunday, mostly at St. Peter’s Church. Sunday celebrations include a procession starting early in the morning with palm fronds following a life-sized statue of Jesus. Maundy Thursday also features an evening mass where the priest symbolically washes 12 boys' feet with wine in commemoration of Jesus washing those of the 12 disciples.

April

Tomb Sweeping Festival: Chinese traditional festival where the local Chinese community head to the cemetery at Bukit China or other burial grounds to tidy up burial plots, light candles, burn incense and make offerings of food to the deceased.

Ramadan - Nuzul Quran: Islamic festival that commemorates the revelation of the Quran to Mohammad.

End of April - Hari Raya Puasa: The end of the Ramadan fast and includes prayers at the mosque followed by large family visitations.

May

Vesak: Celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama, the historical Buddha.

Last weekend of May - Sikh Commemoration of Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji: The sizeable amount of Sikhs residing in Malacca as well as Sikhs from abroad congregate in the gurdwara (Sikh temple) situated in Jalan Temenggong for three days to commemorate the death of its former priest, Sant Baba Sohan Singh Ji, who was elevated to a saint upon passing away. Visitors are welcome but are advised to follow rules and common practices within the premises. Typical vegetarian punjabi cuisine will be served to everyone visiting the gurdwara.

June

5th - King's Birthday: The birthday of Yang di Pertuan Agong, the King of Malaysia.

23rd - Feast of St. John the Baptist: Catholic festival featuring candles and banquets.

28th or 29th - Fiesta de San Pedro: Portuguese festival for St. Peter, the patron saint of fisherman featuring a boat decoration competition, a mass for blessing the vessels, Portuguese cooking and fishing competitions.

July

mid July - Hari Raya Aidil Fitri: Islamic festival commemorating Mohammad's journey from Mecca to Medina. Discussions and lectures are held in local mosques.

end of Ramadan - Awal Muharram: Islamic New Year celebrations featuring open hospitality and prayer.

August

Malacca Carnival: this celebration lasts for a month and showcases traditional dances and a variety of expositions covering local tourism, industry and art.

National Day and Malaka Sea Carnival: Celebrating independence day, the Sea Carnival takes place at Klebang Besar Beach and includes boating and windsurfing competitions.

September

Malaysia Fest: Two weeks of promotions from local businesses.

Feast of Santa Cruz: Catholic festival at which thousands of local Christians participate in the Feast of the Holy Cross at 7AM at Malim, followed by a procession and mass.

Melaka Festival (melakafestival.com): A free international arts and film festival held annually since 2009.

October

varies by Lunar calendar - Mid-Autumn Festival: The Chinese community celebrates their victory over the Mongol Yuan Dynasty, ushering in the Ming Dynasty that would lead Chinese 15th century seafaring as far west as the east coast of Africa. This basically boils down to eating lots of moon cakes!

November

Deepavali or The Hindu Festival of Lights: Hindu celebration of the triumph over good over evil.

December

Sunday closest to 3 December - Feast of St Francis Xavier: Christian celebration in which the Church of Saint Paul honours Saint Francis Xavier with a mass.

25th - Christmas Day: Celebrations include street decorations and carols that center on the Portuguese Square, as well as a midnight mass.

Do

Go fly a kite, literally - Go to Klebang Beach and buy a cheap kite (fighter-style, but nowhere near that well-constructed) with Japanese cartoon characters on it for RM1.50, or a styrofoam airplane for RM5 if you don't have the necessary kite-flying mad skills.

Malacca Duck Tour, Malacca Duck Tour, Jalan Merdeka, 75000. Melaka (Beside the Taming Sari City View Tower). 3. This is a old military amphibian vehicle that has been adapted for amphibious tourist trips around Melaka city and moving towards the sea and come back up. Very interesting, like a joyride!RM30-40.

Melaka River Cruise - a 45 min cruise along Melaka river where once it was a main trade area of Melaka during its Golden era. It takes passengers from the jetty beside the Maritime Museum to just beyond Kampung Morten and then back. Night cruise is more interesting as we can see lights lit on the riverbank's buildings, water fountain show and bridges. You will pass through many boardwalk cafes along the way. Wave "hi" as you cruise along happily. The Honky Tonk Cafe will be located along these river bank. Tickets: Adult RM10, Child RM5. Hourly cruise 10AM-11PM daily.

Pirates of Melaka - located beside the Eye on Melaka, this consists of a pirate ship that you can ride on.

Panorama Melaka bus. It will sure bring a whole new experience to tourists. These imported ever popular London double-decker red buses will show you Melaka City London style. Sit on the open air upper deck, feel the city air and watch Melaka lights in the night (no commentary, however). You can hop on and off at any of the stops. RM 5 per day. Service starts at 7AM.

Sound and Light Show - (lights went out early 2010, and something wonderful and unknown is being developed there as of mid-2011 with typically undeclared purpose or launch date) this 1-hour show is about the history of Malacca. It is held in the big field between the Sultanate Palace and the Proclamation of Independence Memorial Museum. Daily shows are in English at 8:30PM, RM10. Buy your tickets at either end of the field. In late 2009, the show was suspended due to renovation works.

The City View Tower Of Melaka

Taming Sari Revolving Tower. Jalan Merdeka. The 110 m-tower seats 66 people at a time, taking them on a 7-min ride for a view of Malacca. The ascent takes 1 min, you have 5 min on the top and 1 min for the descent. Offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the historic city and the coastline. Do it after taking a stroll of the town, and it will give you a whole new perspective of Malacca. Admission fees for MyKad holders: RM10 for adults, RM5 for children below 12 years old, and RM7 for senior citizens above 55 years old. Admission fees for visitors without MyKad: RM20 for adults, RM10 for children below 12 years old, and RM17 for senior citizens above 55 years old. Operates every 30 min on the hour and half-hour, 10AM-11PM daily.

Buy

Malacca is famed for its antiques, with many a beautiful shophouse interior now filled to the brim with artefacts from all around the Asia Pacific region. Your chances of finding a bargain here are minimal though; prices in many of the tourist-oriented places are absurdly high by any standard, and although many items are touted as being 'more than a hundred years old', most is brand new but 'aged' at the back of the shops.

No.4 Jalan Tokong, just off the jonkers walk this is a lovely art gallery of contemporary art work by Titi Kwok, the work is beautiful and the prices even better.

A dried fruit purveyors historic shopfront in Jalan Bendahara

J. Manik Sdn. Bhd, 23 Jalan Hang Lekir (Jonker Street, opposite Geographer Cafe). 10AM - 7PM. A shop where they sell authentic Nyonya kebaya and kasut manik-manik (beaded shoes for the ladies). Nyonya kebaya and kasut manik-manik are the tradisional attires of the Baba Nyonya and the Peranakan Heritage. J. Manik is many Singaporean tourists' favourite because they are famous for their quality and services. Not cheap, but definitely value for money.

Martin Wood Art Gallery, 60 Heeren Street,Malacca. Art gallery of deco and fine art by artist Martin Wood who used to paint up on St.Paul's Hill, nice colours and great prices too.

Markets and Street market

Jonkers Walk A night market held every weekend evening to late night from 6PM-12AM. Have a leisure stroll along the street, observing the locals' life, catching a free performance and shop for some for antiques and some local souvenirs, make sure you bargain with the vendors. Try some unique stuff to eat, like grapes-dipped in chocolate or caramel encrusted kiwis. Kaya(a spread made from coconut) filled waffles is a must-try. Cheap chinese electronic playthings are available too if you have an appetite for them.

Night Market / Pasar Malam - Night Market or more known as Pasar Malam is a market that is held from evening to around 9PM at night everyday (though at different locations. Tuesday in Kampung Lapan and Friday in Malim). This is a good way to observe the life of locals. Pasar Malam sells basically almost anything, from food to clothing, small electronics to medicine.

Malls and Shopping centres

Mahkota Parade Shopping Centre, (located in Bandar Hilir opposite Padang Pahlawan), ☎+60 6 282 6151, [15]. 10AM-10PM. as over 200 shops and anchor tenants are Parkson Grand Departmental Store and Giant Supermarket. Shops include The Body Shop, World of Cartoons, Royal Selangor, FOS, Reject Shop, Nokia, MPH Bookstores, Sony Centre, SenQ Digital Station, Starbucks, McDonalds, KFC and Pizza Hut. The biggest food court in Melaka is also located here. Has several bureau de change including Maybank and CIMB Bank which are open 7 days a week.

Tan Kim Hock Product Center 85-89 Jalan Bendahara. Sells famous food specialties from Melaka, like Dodol, Cincalok, Belacan, dried fruits, durian cake, etc. Might be a good idea as souvenirs for friends back home. Mr Tan Kim Hock, the founder of the company, occasionally still walks around with his famous white suit giving out free items.

Eat

Besides the usual Malaysian fare, you'll be able to sample some rather peculiar Malaccan food. On top of the list is of course Peranakan or Baba-Nyonya food, which until recently was totally uncommercialised and confined to the kitchens of old grandmothers. Now, there are a string of restaurants claiming to serve Peranakan food, most unfortunately seem to be on the tour bus circuit. The dishes are slightly different from that of the Penang Peranakan. Usual ones include ayam pongteh (chicken in bean sauce, originally cooked with pork) and ayam buah keluak (chicken cooked with a bitter fruit) and a whole array of desserts. Another famous Malacca dish is what is commonly called "chicken rice ball". Although it is called Hainanese chicken rice, it is not from Hainan, China, but invented by the Hainanese immigrants to Malaysia a long time ago. The chicken for this dish is very much the same as the boiled chicken offered throughout Malaysia; what is unique is the rice - it comes in ping-pong sized balls. Yet another Malaccan speciality is satay celup. It is like lok-lok found in other parts of the country but instead of dipping your skewered foodstuff (fishballs, crabsticks, meat, prawns and etc) into boiling water, you dip them into a boiling vat of satay sauce. The sight of boiling satay sauce may not appeal to you but the crowds at the satay celup outlets seem to suggest that many have overcome their phobias.

Of course, Malacca is where you'll find Portuguese-Eurasian food. The greatest concentration of outlets will be at the Portuguese Settlement. Seafood is popular, as is the fiery "devil curries".

For local Malay delicacies, worth trying:

Asam Pedas, the signature dish of the state. A very hot and mild sour fish curry which accompanying white rice. Normally eaten during lunch and dinner. From RM4.50.

Sambal Belacan, very spicy local chilli prawn paste.

Cencaluk, can be found sold along the roads near Klebang Beach. Made of fermented krills. A bit weird tasting for those who are not used to it.

Lemang, glutinous rice cooked in bamboo, sold on the side of the road to Teluk Mas

Ikan Bakar, head to Umbai, Pernu or Serkam for a dinner of fresh caught grilled fish and crustaceans.

Kuih Udang, you can find this popular tea time dish in Alor Gajah town. The sauce is nice too.

Kuih-muih, traditional cakes and deserts like dodol, wajik, lempok, inang-inang, gula melaka and many more are sold in shopping mall at Bandar Hilir, Klebang Beach and kampung area throughout the state.

Other local but not typically Malay food:

Roti John, an invented omelette sandwich, very popular among the Malays. For a good one, look for the restaurant in Tanjung Kling.

The recent tourism boom has seen many new food and beverage outlets open in Malacca, and especially in the heritage area of Jonker and Heeren Street. However, competition is great and some outlets fail to survive. Places you discover on your first visit may not be around anymore on your second.

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Budget

The popular Malacca chicken rice ball dish.

Chicken rice balls (Chinese)

Chung Wah Restaurant (中华茶室, Kedai Kopi Chung Wah), Kedai Kopi Chung Wah 18, Jl Hang Jebat (first white building on the right after crossing the bridge towards Jonker Walk), [17]. 8AM-1PM. An early purveyor of Hainanese's chicken rice balls in Melaka. The building dates from the early 1900s, and the restaurant is family run. You might have to wait in a line for at least minimum up to an hour if you turn up after 10AMRM 8.00 per pax min..

Famosa Chicken Rice Ball 28 and 30, Jl Hang Kasturi, (corner of Jln Hang Kasturi and Jl Hang Jebat-Jonker Walk). A huge restaurant serving the dish in an alluringly bright red building. It also has branches in Jl Bendahara, Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall, Tesco Malacca and Jaya Jusco Malacca in Ayer Keroh. Very slow service, but food is prepared very quickly so freshness is in question. Some hardcore connoisseur of the dish regard this as a tourist trap and its quality not up to mark. Chicken (better said bones without meat) with rice balls costs RM4.60. Open daily until 10PM.

Hoe Kee Chicken Rice 4, Jl Hang Jebat (Jonker Walk. (few steps nearer to Malacca River from Famosa). You should get here early or you'll end up in a queue to get a table. This is an original chicken rice ball shop, and for most, the taste here is simply incomparable to the newer competitors. This outlet has been operating in this small corner for decades, but still attracts lots of customers. Open daily 8:30AM-3PM, closed last Wednesday of the month.

This guide uses the following price ranges for a typical meal for one, including soft drink:

Budget

up to MR12.50

Mid-range

up to MR50

Splurge

over MR50

Jalan Kee Ann-night opening eating stalls

Jalan Kee Ann. Hours 6PM-11PM every day. Open air eating stalls for locals and visitors. It is a good place to eat and see the world go by while eating in the open air. Local cuisines include won ton mee, popiah, yew keow, sugar cane water, sup kambing, satay,etc.

Noodles

Hing Loong Taiwanese Noodle, 11-J, Jalan Bachang. Located out of the town center but have been discovered by many non-Malaccans. Tasty beef, fried pork chop or pig trotter noodles in soup or in sauce. About RM4 a bowl.

Satay celup-(satay sauce 'steamboat')

Capitol Satay Celup, 41, Lorong Bukit Cina. (a short distance away from the centre of town). You pay for what you eat and at the end of the meal, the skewers are counted. The price per skewer is RM0.80.

Western

Portuguese Settlement, Popular for its fried squid, portuguese baked fish. Local favorite stalls are numbered 1 and 7.

Halal food

Tengkera Mee Soup, Jl Tengkera, (near the famous Tengkera Mosque). Many varieties of noodles are served Chinese style by a Malay/Muslim vendor and are Halal. Open from mid-afternoon until when the noodles are sold out.

Mid-range

Peranakan style

Original Malay 'fusion' cooking blending Chinese ingredients and wok cooking techniques with spices used by the Malaysian community. The food is tangy, aromatic, spicy and herbal.

Kapitan HouseNo. 71 & 73, Jalan Merdeka, Tmn Melaka Raya, Melaka. (Between Eon Bank and Classic Bridal Studio). [20] ☎ +60 6 282 6525. The main chef of this restaurant is Kenny Chan, the celebrity chef also known for his stint on RTM, Nyonya Baba. He also has his own line of sauces known as Kenny's Delights. The food here is truly authentic dishes cooked by Nyonya families. On weekends, they serve an array of homemade 'nyonya kueh' for lunch, amongst them are very traditional apam berkuah and kueh bongkong.

Restoran Ole Sayang. 198, Jalan Melaka Raya. One of the original Peranakan restaurants in town.

Restoran Makko. 123, Jalan Melaka Raya. A few doors down from Ole Sayang. Closed on Tuesdays.

Japanese+Chinese

Sibaraku, level 2, Mahkota Parade, no. 1 Jalan Merdeka. ☎+60 6 282 4869; 2 branches of the same restaurant side by side; one branch serves only Japanese cuisine a la carte; the other branch serves eat-as much-as-you-like Chinese and Japanese cuisine (mostly sushi - about a dozen types to choose from, okonomiyaki, etc.); some of the dishes are buffet style (they are already cooked; you help yourself with them), other dishes the cook will cook them in front of you; soups, salads, cakes, other desserts (custard, mousse, etc) free flow cold and hot drinks also available; unlimited buffet dinner RM25.90 plus 10% on weekdays; limited buffet dinner (9-10PM only, choose only from about 15 dishes, only one serving per dish but free flow cold and hot drinks) RM15.80 plus 10% on weekdays.

Seafood

Sajian Ummie Seafood Restaurant, Located at Umbai Floating Seafood Village about 14 km from the city. it's the special place to eat fresh seafood with your own choice from grilled, sweet and sour, steam, 3 rasa, special Malay sauce, asam pedas and many others. Fresh seafood from fish, crab, prawn, cuttle fish even a variety of shell ready for you. ☎+60 13 340 0664, +60 13 365 1970.

Western

Coconut House Studio, 128, Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock (Heeren Street). Popular for its wood-fired, thin-crust pizzas, which you can eat in a renovated Peranakan house complete with a courtyard. Service may be a bit slow when there are crowds. The same people run a similar outlet in Kuala Lumpur.

Wok and Pan:East Meets West Cuisine , 22G PM4, Plaza Makhota. Popular for its pork ribs and pork chop. It also serve Chinese and local cuisines. The boss is the former head chef for Renaissance Hotel.

Splurge

Drink

When in Malacca, don't miss the cendol ("chen-dul"), a sweet dessert of coconut milk, lurid green noodles and gula Melaka (Malacca sugar), made from palm sap.

Jonker Walk has many food and drinks outlets which serve Nyonya laksa (laksa with coconut milk) and desserts like cendol, including the sinful durian cendol.

Clocktower cendol, Jalan Laksamana. Located by the Malacca River opposite the Red Square clock tower. Another Malacca legend, the cendol served by this Indian-Muslim hawker is superb. You can have it plain or with red bean and is a wonderful thirst-quencher when doing the historical sights circuit.

Indian rojak It used to operate out of a mangosteen-shaped stall (hence he's also known as "Mangosteen cendol") but now has a more conventional-looking stall.

Night clubs and bars

Melaka Raya is where most of Malacca's relatively limited nightlife is to be found, with many of the city's pubs, discos and KTV located in that area.

Arena Club, R&B Club in Town behind Holiday Inn at the pier which is known as "The Jetty". Nightly live music including 'R&B', 'reggaeton' and 'house' music. This is the place for those who like to go past midnight.

Exodus Lounge (Formerly Known As Krabau Rock Cafe), No.4, Jalan Hang Lekir, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia. (Get to the middle of Jonker Walk and turn left.), ☎+6019-6663322, [22]. 12 pm - 2 am. Exodus Lounge, formerly known as Krabau Cafe is now one of the latest best chill out place at Jonker Walk, Melaka. Malaysia. Best Services and comes with old antique look will suprise you with the best music ranging from Reggae Roots, Ska, Soul all the way to the night with retro house. Perfect cocktails for all and cheapest draught beers... RM 8 per bottle of beer.

Night clubs and bars

Far East Café, 19, Jl Hang Lekir (Jonker Street), ☎+60 6 286 3853, +60 12 696 6277. 11PM till late. Reasonable selection of drinks, quiet and unpretentious. Good for a quiet drink. More a restaurant than a bar. On the expensive side by local standards, small portions and meat is more bones than anything else. Inside it's quiet, but the outside part is very noisy because you can hear the music from all the bars on the street, plus cars and trishaws going past.

Honky Tonk Haven Cafe 68, Jl Lorong Hang Jebat (1st cross street, turn left off Jonker Walk). Small pub/cafe with view onto the Melaka River at the back. Run by a husband and wife team. (Gunabalan ☎+60 12 6050446). Chilled beers and stout are sold. Sit at the riverside walkway at the back after a hot sultry malaccan evening and enjoy the view. Live entertainment on week-ends. Weekdays music is piped country and jazz music selections. Open daily, 6:30PM-12:30AM, except Mondays.

Sleep

This article or section does not match our manual of style or needs other editing. Please plunge forward, give it your attention and help it improve! Suggested fixes: Please assist to develop the accuracy and usefulness of this article by placing the establishments already listed here into the most appropriate of the 3 available price categories. Any new Sleep listings should also go into the most appropriate of the three price categories available: Budget, Mid-range or Splurge

This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room:

Discovery Cafe & Guesthouse, No. 3 Jl Bunga Raya, ☎+60 12 683 5606 (discoverycafe_1999@hotmail.com), [24]. 3 min walk from the central historic area. with a nice bar. Rooms are dirty, noisy and small, with choice of with and without A/C. Free secure WIFI and computer des ktops. The owner is very friendly and helpful. Will arrange taxis and bus transport. Downstairs cafe is a piece of museum. The terrace turns into a fairly lively nightspot after dark, with live music every night and cheap beers. *Holitel Standard rooms with A/C and a private bathroom, rooms are really clean. Friendly and helpfull staff. From RM50.from RM40/night or RM30/person, also mixed or female dormitory RM17 per bed (8 beds) or RM23 per bed (4 beds).

Jalan Jalan, Jl Tukang Besi, (or Blacksmith Street, one block north and parallel to Jl Hang Jebat or Jonker Walk, just up the road from Sama-Sama Guest House), [26]. Similar to Sama-Sama, budget fan equipped dorms for RM14. A very cute place with a pleasant outdoor garden.

L'Armada Guesthouse, 36a Jl Kampung Hulu, [27]. The rooms and toilets are very clean. Nice living room with free tea and coffee the whole day. Free WiFi. The owners are very friendly and helpful. Close to Chinatown and in some rooms you can see directly the river. Seasonal pricing from RM10.

Old Town Guesthouse, Jl Temenggon, (get off the bus at Bukit Cina), [28]. Nice and very friendly family guesthouse owned by a French guy and his Malay-Chinese wife. The place is very clean and has a great atmosphere. The rooms and the bathrooms are clean. Free WIFI, laundry service, breakfest included, kitchen, tv room, bike to rent, books echange, nice communal area. Dorms and rooms available. Dorm RM12. Room 35-50RM

Ringo's Foyer, 46A Jl. Portugis, [29], ☎ +60 6 281 6393. Just far enough out of central Chinatown to be quiet, but close enough to be convenient. Plain, clean, has staff and relaxing rooftop chill-out area. bike tour on the weekdays and BBQ on the rooftop during the weekend

Tidur Tidur Guesthouse (提督府客棧), 92,Lorong Hang Jebat. (near Chinatown-Jonker St), ☎+60 14 928 3817 (tidurtidurgh@yahoo.com). checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12 noon. This building has a design studio at the front, and the guesthouse running at the back. Run by a young local designer Stanley Chin. Melaka river is at the rear. There are all private rooms for 2-4 people, double-decked concept. Well ventilated rooms with fan and shared A/C. Shared clean toilets with hot shower, shared dry kitchen and facilities, shared Living space. Free WiFi. Group bookings accepted.RM15/bed(Mon-Thurs), RM20/bed(Fri-Sun).

Melaka Raya

Samudra Inn, 348b, Jl Melaka Raya 3 (beside the 7-11 store at the bottom of this street). ☎ +60 6 2827441. The hotel is on the second level, you have to use the staircase to go up to the locked gate of the hotel; you have to leave your shoes at the staircase after you enter the gate. Lounge with TV and refrigerator. Laundry service available, rate around RM1.50 per shirt; guests will be given a key to the locked gate. Room rates are posted clearly on a white board at the reception. Dorms with shared hot shower and toilet (3 beds per room) RM15; singles rooms from RM20 for one with shared hot shower and toilet; all rooms with fans, more expensive rooms have attached shower.

Twenty Melaka Guesthouse, 20, Jl Hang Jebat, ☎+60 6 281 9761 (Located along the popular Jonker Walk near the Malacca River end). [45]. Occupies the former Atlas Ice building, one of the oldest concrete buildings in Malaysia). New, clean, A/C, continental breakfast included, internet, located in the heart of the tourist area, there is a restaurant next door which can be loud at night. From RM95. Please note that all bathrooms here are on sharing basis.

Cope

Stay safe

Melaka is a very safe place with a low crime rate. However, do watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas and bags snatching on the roadside by motorbikes. Carry your identification papers (passport) with you always because there are random checks by the police for illegal immigrants.

Contact

Get out

Gunung Ledang - Most climbed mountain in Malaysia with some nice waterfalls to go swimming. Can be reached by bus to Tangkak and from there with local bus towards Segamat. The bus will drop you off 1km before the park entrance (RM 1). Depending how long you have to wait for the bus a trip takes about 2-3 hours.

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